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Fostering Social-Emotional Development
Mulberry School firmly believes that academic excellence, social-emotional development, artistic expression and physical well-being are all equally valued components of education.
Our program recognizes the importance of emotional intelligence for success in learning and in life. Our students develop thorough understandings of themselves as learners and graduate with a keen awareness of who they strive to become.
To foster social-emotional development, our teachers:
- Practice problem solving and conflict resolution
- Cultivate moral autonomy and personal integrity
- Foster the development of self-awareness
- Strengthen intrinsic motivation and self discipline
- Value artistic creativity and self expression
- Provide student leadership opportunities
- Teach respect for nature and our global environment
- Instill pride in effort
- Appreciate diversity
Mulberry creates an environment of acceptance and belonging for children and parents alike by using the Positive Discipline philosophy. In fact, Mulberry is one of two schools in the nation certified as a Positive Discipline Demonstration school (34 kb pdf).
What Is Positive Discipline?
Positive Discipline is a program that teaches important social and life skills, in a manner that is respectful to both the adults and the young people in the situation. The goals of positive discipline are to raise young people to be responsible, respectful and resourceful members of their community. It is based on the theory that children who have a sense of connection to their community (home, school) and those whose input is regarded as meaningful are less likely to engage in "mis" behavior. To be successful members of the community, children need to be taught the necessary social skills. It is based on the understanding that discipline must be taught and that discipline teaches.
You may download a 3 page article by clicking here (180 kb pdf).
To review the guidelines for discipline given to Mulberry parents click here (40 kb pdf)
Why Regular Class Meetings Are Important?
Class meetings are a critical component of the positive discipline philosophy. At Mulberry, class meetings are seen as part of the curriculum, not an interruption of it. Class meetings support the emotional and social curriculum by:
- Giving a regular forum for children to practice communication skills: speaking, listening, negotiating, saying "no" firmly or "yes" joyfully, giving compliments
- Helping to create a positive, safe atmosphere where children can express feelings and share ideas or concerns
- Eliminating many discipline problems because kids have a vested interest in making work the agreements and consequences they help develop
- Encouraging problem ownership and personal responsibility
An emphasis on social and emotional development gives Mulberry students an edge that comes from knowing who you are, knowing what you need and knowing what you want.
At Mulberry, we will not settle for giving children only what they need to survive in the world, we want to give children the skills and tools they to THRIVE in all aspects of life…in work, in play, and in relationships.
